Change Element Type Wizard

The wizard for changing the element type takes you through the steps for converting a selected element into an element of another type.

Prerequisites

The target type's create templates required for converting the element type need to exist.

Purpose

The Change Element Type wizard takes you through the steps needed to change the type.

Note

The wizard is only available for elements with certain element types. It does not methodically make sense to have general conversion options in all other element types.

This function is primarily for changing the element type in the creation process of a model. It might be the case, for example, that a structure entry needs to be further refined and, therefore, needs to be changed into a structure group.

Call

Select an element whose type can be changed and select Design>Model Elements>Refactor>Change Element Type.

Convertible Element Types

Groups of element types that can be converted into each other:

Artifact, deployment specification, component
Package, component, database object group
Class, collaboration, component, data type, enumeration, interface, primitive type, signal
Concept, junction
Device, execution environment, node
Operation call, behavior call, generic action
Input pin, value pin, action pin
Opaque behavior depending on the diagram type from and to activity, interaction, state machine, or protocol state machine
Structure entry, structure group
Task, mask task, subprocess
Business resource, organizational unit, role, IT element, person
Event definition, definition of an event with conditions, definition of a timer event
Specializations of dependencies (e.g. dependency, deployment, manifestation, abstraction, realization)

Convertible Diagram Types

Concept diagrams and dynamic concept diagrams (viewpoints) are also interchangeable using the Change Element Type command.

All create templates from concept diagrams and dynamic concept dynamic Concept diagrams are shown for selection. A new diagram is created using the selected create template. All diagram content from the old diagram is then moved to the new diagram and the old diagram is then deleted. Diagram content is adopted independently from the configuration. Non-permissible concepts and concept connections can be determined using a verify option and then removed from the diagram where applicable.

A diagram can also be adjusted within the same diagram type by changing the stereotype. You can only change between the concept diagram and dynamic diagram using the Change Element Type command. It is also possible to carry out the steps manually and create a new diagram, copy diagram content for another diagram and insert it in a new diagram.

Step 1 of 2: Select template

How to proceed

Select the new element type for the selected element from the Which type should the elements be transformed into? list.
Click on Next.

Continue with Step 2 of 2 Ready to transform.

Step 2 of 2: Ready to transform

Context

The Change Element Type wizard shows a summary of the decisions you have made before converting the type and the consequences of your choices.

How to proceed

Check your specifications.
You can change your decision by pressing the back button to return to the previous step.

Attention

Type conversion may cause irrevocable changes in the model. Please check the consequences of this type conversion very carefully.
Start type conversion by clicking on Finish.

The type conversion is executed.